In the cold, dark expanse of the cosmos where the unfathomable horrors of the Warp lurk, a ship, known as The Wanderer, emerged once again. Its survivors, still reeling from the death of their Creator, clung tenaciously to life. The ship, a once formidable fortress, now convulsed under the impact of relentless shellfire, forcing its inhabitants through a gauntlet of danger with every step. The once safe steel corridors of the labyrinthine vessel had become a breeding ground for mutants, a stark testament to the grim reality of their existence.
Amidst this turmoil, a figure emerged, reaching a place known as the Temple of Knowledge. This figure, known as Ovak, was not quick to enter. Two strangers had preceded him, murmuring about the Primarch and cryptic numbers. Once they left, Ovak ventured into the temple, where unsettling changes awaited him.
Upon extending his hand, he saw microscopic mouths and eyes on his skin. His mind, teetering on the brink of madness from the horrors and pain he had witnessed, was temporarily silenced by a clear and distinct voice: “Read.”
Ovak followed the command, unrolling a scroll that had fallen from a nearby shelf. As he began to read, his eyes widened at the revelations contained within. The text spoke of the horrifying civil war known as the Horus Heresy, where brother turned against brother, and of Robut Gillman, the Primarch who authored the sacred Codex Astartes in response.
The Codex Astartes, a tome of war conduct, demanded the division of all Primarch’s legions into chapters of a thousand Space Marines, each with ten companies. This division aimed to prevent a single leader from wielding the power of an entire Legion, thus avoiding a repeat of the dreadful events of the Horus Heresy.
But there was opposition. Rogor, another Primarch, argued that unity was vital in the aftermath of the civil war. However, after the catastrophic event known as the Iron Cage, Rogor conceded to Gillman’s demands and divided his Legion into three chapters.
The Imperial Fists, Black Templars, and Crimson Fists were born from this division. The Crimson Fists, led by Alexis Polu, were comprised of the most balanced and newly initiated warriors. Polu, who served as Chapter Master for an impressive 800 years, would develop his own interpretation of the Codex Astartes and unique battle doctrines.
As Ovak read on, he was struck by the tales of the Crimson Fists’ exploits. Primarily operating in the Loki sector, they often found themselves in fierce battles with the Orcs, eventually becoming experts in countering this aggressive xenos species. They were also known for their defensive prowess and adherence to the Codex Astartes.
These revelations left Ovak weary and confused. How could there have been a civil war? How could Astartes, the perfect warriors, betray the Imperium? But as he grappled with these questions, a creature from the lower deck sensed the ripple of his emotions in the Warp and emerged. Yet, undeterred, Ovak continued his exploration of the Crimson Fists’ lore.
The Crimson Fists’ loyalty to the Imperium was unwavering. They maintained the tradition of allowing one warrior to bear the heraldry and status of the Emperor’s Champion before entering a major conflict. Alongside the Imperial Fists, they were one of the twelve chapters to participate in the Feast of Blades, another testament to their unwavering dedication to the Imperium’s cause.
Leave a Reply